The Future of Education
Shalini Dukhan
Institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Country: South Africa
I have a natural sciences background and lecture in the area of biological science. My early postgraduate studies centred on cell biology, but when I was appointed as a lecturer at the University my interest moved towards developing a depth of understanding in the teaching and learning of Science, and in refining my pedagogic approach. Therefore, since 2008 my research focused within the area of Science education. Over the years I have conceptualised methods to identify students who are considered 'at-risk' in their first year of undergraduate studies and I have also set up communities of practice amongst academic staff within three courses at two Schools of Biology in the University context. I have thus far published 4 papers in accredited journals and 1 book chapter. My journal article published in July 2018 has entered into the top 3 most viewed papers for the last three years for African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, my more recent article published in April 2019 is receiving similar levels of interest.
My research interest lies in finding ways to increase the students’ active engagement in their learning, and I constantly seek new approaches to improve my teaching practice. My research is currently focused on understanding the influence and impact of non-academic factors on academic performance of undergraduates, particularly first year students. As such I have investigated areas on second-language learning, the influence of school background on the students’ academic transition into university, the influence of lecturer approach and practice on student learning, and the influence of social and cultural capital on access and success at university. My work on note-making has led to the creation of a rubric which can be used as a teaching and learning tool with the aim of improving student understanding through the writing of their study notes. This rubric has been published in the form of a journal article in 2018, and within a period of 6 months has received over 600 views. An article that I had published on first generation students’ grade expectations in relation to their actual academic performance has been cited 11 times in global and national contexts. Other published work on second-language learners has been cited in an international context.
I believe that the work that I do has core relevance to taking forward teaching, learning and education within the higher education context in the South African landscape, but is also globally applicable. My goal is to develop my depth of understanding on the non-academic factors that influence academic success of undergraduates, I believe that this level of comprehension could be forthcoming in ways to improve student retention at university, and grow the pool of talent in the workforce for Science-related disciplines.
My research interest lies in finding ways to increase the students’ active engagement in their learning, and I constantly seek new approaches to improve my teaching practice. My research is currently focused on understanding the influence and impact of non-academic factors on academic performance of undergraduates, particularly first year students. As such I have investigated areas on second-language learning, the influence of school background on the students’ academic transition into university, the influence of lecturer approach and practice on student learning, and the influence of social and cultural capital on access and success at university. My work on note-making has led to the creation of a rubric which can be used as a teaching and learning tool with the aim of improving student understanding through the writing of their study notes. This rubric has been published in the form of a journal article in 2018, and within a period of 6 months has received over 600 views. An article that I had published on first generation students’ grade expectations in relation to their actual academic performance has been cited 11 times in global and national contexts. Other published work on second-language learners has been cited in an international context.
I believe that the work that I do has core relevance to taking forward teaching, learning and education within the higher education context in the South African landscape, but is also globally applicable. My goal is to develop my depth of understanding on the non-academic factors that influence academic success of undergraduates, I believe that this level of comprehension could be forthcoming in ways to improve student retention at university, and grow the pool of talent in the workforce for Science-related disciplines.
